CBS Executive Michael Wittman’s Wife Brain Dead After Cyclist Collision (Updated)

Jill Tarlov was purportedly struck by a cyclist on a crosswalk in Central Park and rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was declared brain dead

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UPDATED, Monday 7:50 a.mPT: Both CBS senior vice president Michael Wittman and the television network have released statements regarding the death of Jill Tarlov.

“My wife was beautiful in every way imaginable. Jill was the most amazing mother to Matthew and Anna, who taught them above all that kindness, compassion, and a spirit for life were the right morals to live by. Everyone who had ever met her was somehow made better by her company,” Wittman said. “Even though she has been taken from us far too soon, her spirit will live on forever. On behalf of our family, I would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers, and request privacy during the difficult times ahead.”

CBS said: “We are heartsick over the passing of our dear friend and former 1010 WINS Radio colleague Jill Tarlov. As we mourn the loss of our friend and console Mike and his family, we are committed to doing what we can to bring greater public awareness of the perils of unsafe and distracted driving by motorists and cyclists that endangers pedestrians. Far too many people have been killed or seriously injured on our streets.”

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Jill Tarlov, wife of CBS senior vice president Michael Wittman, is purportedly brain dead after a tragic accident in Central Park where she was struck by a cyclist while walking on a crosswalk.

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The cyclist, 31-year-old Jason Marshall, shouted warnings to the 59-year-old Tarlov as he approached at high speeds, according to eyewitness who spoke to the New York Post. Witnesses also said that Tarlov was riding in the car lane, as opposed to the bicycle lane. It was unclear who had the light at the intersection.

Tarlov was purportedly taken to New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where she was declared brain dead. The New York Police Department is investigating, but it is not yet clear if any charges will be filed.

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Representatives for CBS and the NYPD did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment. Wittman is SVP and controller of CBS Television Stations, which consists of 29 owned-and-operated stations.

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